Certified School Nurse (CSN) at Chicago Public Schools

Purpose or Summary Statement of Primary Duties and Responsibilities of Position

The Certified School Nurse (CSN) coordinates the school health program including the delivery of services to students and serves as the health resource to staff members in order to enhance health and wellness in the school community. The school nurse duties are to be performed in accordance with standards of professional school nurse practice, state board of education policies and procedures and the State of Illinois Nurse Practice Act.

Principal Accountabilities

1. The CSN provides and/or delegates to licensed personnel direct professional nursing services, first aid, illness, and emergency care to students.

2. The CSN identifies health problems, makes referrals for diagnosis and treatment, develops educational modifications, provides follow-up and evaluation, and maintains appropriate documentation.

3. The CSN provides counseling and follow-up services to students with disabilities as delineated in the IEP/504.

4. The CSN follows up on homebound students needing related health care services.

5. The CSN provides intervention in times of school crisis, i.e. death, suicide, traumatic events.

6. The CSN initiates, encourages, and participates in health education programs for children.

7. The CSN assists special education children to accept or adjust to physical, emotional or health limitations.

8. The CSN provides health counseling to parents of special education students, and provides individual and group health counseling to special education students.

9.The CSN develops the medication protocol to safely store, administer, document, and monitor the effectiveness of the medication given at school.

10.The CSN coordinates activities of local schools concerned with communicable disease regulations.

11. The CSN assists with the State and Federal mandated screenings and provides follow-up for deficits in vision, hearing, growth and development, and other physical impairments.

12.The CSN collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to determine if health adversely affects the student’s educational process and is also responsible for the development of the all IEP goals, benchmarks, and accommodations for students requiring health related services.

Qualifications for Job:

All qualified applicants should possess a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from an accredited college, or university. Additionally, all qualified applicants should possess a valid Professional Educator License endorsed as a School Nurse through the Illinois State Board of Education. A valid Illinois nursing license and current certification in CPR is a must.

Skills and Abilities:

This potential applicant is expected to develop and administer comprehensive school health program. Applicants should also possess strong oral, written communication and computer skills.

Experience and Education Required:

The Chicago Public Schools is seeking all qualified individuals with excellent critical thinking skills. Previous pediatric experience is recommended, but not required. The applicant should have experience working with students with culturally diverse backgrounds. A bachelor’s of science in nursing is required with a valid Type 73 certificate endorsed in school nursing.